Crimea cut off North-Crimean Canal water

(QHA) -

North Crimean Canal has halted water supplies to Crimea due to the lack of constructive proposals on contractual arrangements to meet water needs of the peninsula.

The State Water Resources Agency of Ukraine reported that the the Canal is currently operating for users in Kherson region, whereas Crimea still does not want to pay for the Dnieper water delivered last year.

The agency said in a statement on Tuesday, Ukrinform reports.

"The North Crimean Canal is working in an operational mode, which is adjusted according to the needs of water users in Kherson region, due to the lack of constructive proposals on contractual arrangements to meet water needs of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea for drinking water supply and irrigation," the report reads.

It is also noted that "the issue of repayment of a UAH 1.7 million debt in 2013 by Crimean water users to the North-Crimean Canal administration remains unresolved."

Crimea received 85% of fresh water through the canal, which was built in 1961-1971.